Joliet's Ted Slowik to celebrate release of solo debut "Comfort Zone" at Jan. 4 show

Joliet singer/songwriter Ted Slowik will celebrate the release of his solo debut “Comfort Zone” with a CD release show Jan. 4 at Chicago Street Pub in Joliet.

Slowik and friends will perform “Comfort Zone” in its entirety Jan. 4, along with other originals. The show will also feature performances by central Illinois songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Chris Corkery and a set by the reunited Big Eddy Springs Blues Band.

The disc became available for sale in December through Amazon, CDBaby.com and other outlets and downloads are for sale through iTunes, Google Play and other elsewhere.

The sessions were produced by Joliet songwriter and musician John Condron  and were recorded, engineered and mastered by Bill Aldridge, bassist with The Vaudevileins. Condron and Aldridge also helped with instrumentation, vocalist Aly Flood guests on one track and Pat Otto plays mandolin on two songs.

The CD includes showcases Slowik’s range as a songwriter, from the heartfelt ballad “Red Rover” to the political commentary of “Springfield.” He writes about being the youngest of 12 children in the family story “Slowiks” and references his career as a journalist in “Dear Editor.” The first track, “Hinsdale,” alludes to an unspecified calamity, and “Record Store” reminisces about shopping for music on vinyl.

Slowik wrote and performed music as a hobby for many years but “Comfort Zone” reflects his efforts to begin pursuing music professionally.  He played bass for nearly 30 years in various blues and rock bands but has focused on playing acoustic guitar since 2011. 

He was bassist for 11 years, from 2000 to 2011, with the Big Eddy Springs Blues Band. The Jan. 4 show will feature a reunion of Big Eddy members: vocalist/harmonica player George Joch of Downers Grove, guitarist Chuck Pelkie of Joliet, keyboardist Rich Westrick of Chicago and drummer Ron Kostka of Minooka.

Corkery’s hourlong set will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Chicago Street Pub, 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet; $5 cover. Slowik, with accompaniment by Kostka and Westrick, will perform “Comfort Zone” songs and other originals, followed by the Big Eddy Springs Blues Band reunion set. Flood will featured as a special guest performer on “Red Rover.” “Comfort Zone” CDs will be available for sale for $5.